Traits
Varieties We Bring In
Standard
We received some Painted Tongue on Jun 24, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
Last received Jun 24, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
Pet toxicity: not on file, check before planting where pets chew
Pet safety guideAbout Painted Tongue
Painted tongue (Salpiglossis sinuata) is a cool-season annual from South America prized for its large, velvety, funnel-shaped flowers in rich jewel tones—purples, bronzes, reds, and yellows—often with contrasting veined markings. In NE Florida zone 9b, plant in fall for a brilliant winter-to-spring show; it fades with the arrival of summer heat.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Winter, Spring
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Annual
- Soil
- Loam, Rich, Well-drained
Care essentials
Grow painted tongue in full sun with some afternoon shade protection; Florida's intense summer heat will shut down bloom without mid-day shade relief. Plant in October–November for a cool-season display through spring.
Keep soil consistently moist but well-drained throughout the growing season. Avoid overhead irrigation—wet foliage and petals promote rot; use drip or hand-watering directed at the root zone.
Amend sandy Florida soils with 2–3 inches of compost worked in before planting. Apply a controlled-release balanced fertilizer at planting; supplemental liquid feed every 3–4 weeks during the blooming window extends the display.
Similar needs
Brazilian Plume Flower
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, loam, and pollinator-friendly.
Jacob's Ladder
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, loam, and pollinator-friendly.
Arrowhead Plant
Shares 3 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, and rich.
Panicle Hydrangea
Shares 3 of the same needs: shade, moderate water, and loam.
Paperbush
Shares 3 of the same needs: shade, loam, and pollinator-friendly.
Avens
Shares 3 of the same needs: moderate water, loam, and pollinator-friendly.
Common questions
Is Painted Tongue a good plant for St. Augustine?
Mature size: 18-24 in × 9-12 in. Light: Full Sun, Part Shade. Water needs: Moderate.